If we’re talking turf, Hong Kong can justifiably claim to have the best two horses in the world and Ka Ying Rising cemented his part in that brief with another powerful win in the Group I Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Having his first start beyond 1200m, and without regular rider Zac Purton due to injury, trainer David Hayes made a telling remark pre-race saying ; “Before he started this amazing run I always thought he was a seven furlong, miler. And he gets his chance to see if I’m right.”
And right he was, with Ka Ying Rising parking himself just off the leader before taking control upon entering the straight.
There were a brief few strides where it looked like the run-on hopefuls might make things interesting, however at this level, with this type of horse, class has a way of imposing itself.
No sooner had the hopefuls approached than the champ said “no no” and he went on to win under Karis Teetan by 1.5 lengths with Helios Express (Toronado) second and Howdeepisyourlove (Deep Field) third.
“How this opportunity came up. To sit on one of the world’s best horses and I’m just really thankful everything worked out well,” said Teetan.
&
uo;I was just the pilot today.
“He flew out of the gate. I wanted to use the early speed he has. And as soon as I dropped my hands he came back to me and he was just waiting for me to press the button.
“I spoke to Zac. He told me ‘Just know you’re riding the best horse’.”
It’s the 11th win from 13 starts for Ka Ying Rising who is sitting as the $3.00 favourite for The Everest, a mere eight months out from the race.
Ka Ying Rising is the first, and only winner for Missy Moo who died in 2022. She was a five-time winning Per Incanto (USA) mare and part of one of the most iconic families in the NZ Studbook, and one not noted for sprinting prowess.
She traces directly back to blue hen Taiona, the dam of Champion 3YO and Vic Derby winner Sovereign Red, Melbourne Cup winner Gurner’s Lane, with the family also featuring modern day superstar Mr Brightside.
